The council's use of the RM6281 Workforce Alliance framework - Find a freedom of information request

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am seeking information on the council's use of the RM6281 Workforce Alliance framework, specifically about Lot 4 (Social Services). Please respond to the following questions:

1. Framework Usage Confirmation:

Does the council use the RM6281 framework or Total Workforce Solutions HTE specifically for social services needs under Lot 4?

2. Current Approved Suppliers (Lot 4 - Social Services):

How many suppliers are currently approved to supply social services under Lot 4 in the RM6281 framework as of 30th October 2024?

3. Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for Social Services:

Could you provide the names of all agencies on the council's Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for Lot 4 under RM6281, along with the respective tiers or rankings assigned to each?

4. Onboarding Process for Suppliers:

a) What is the process for new suppliers to join the council's PSL under Lot 4 of RM6281?

b) Are there specific criteria or requirements that agencies must meet to be approved for social services provision?

5. Contact Information for Onboarding:

Please provide the name, role, and contact details (email and postal address) of the individual responsible for onboarding or coordinating new suppliers under Lot 4 (Social Services) of RM6281.

6. Areas of Demand and Unmet Demand:

a) What specific areas of social services (within Lot 4) does the council currently have high demand or unmet demand?

b) Are there specific roles or services within Lot 4 that the council urgently needs to fill?

7. Turnaround Time for Supplier Sign-Up:

a) What is the expected turnaround time from initial contact to full onboarding for new suppliers under Lot 4 (Social Services)?

b) How quickly could an approved framework supplier begin providing services if they meet the necessary criteria?

8. Framework Adherence and Compliance:

a) Has the council fully transitioned to using RM6281 for all social services staffing needs?

b) Can the council confirm adherence to the guidance provided in Framework Schedule 7 for selecting and managing suppliers?

9. Supplier Selection Process:

a) Does the council use Direct Award or Further Competition to select suppliers for Lot 4 social services?

b) What specific criteria are used to assess and select suppliers, and is the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle applied?

10. Audit Trail for Contract Awards:

a) Could you provide documentation or an outline of the audit trail for how contract awards are made under RM6281 for Lot 4 (Social Services)?

b) This should align with the RM6281 Framework Schedule 7, emphasizing transparency, fair selection, and a documented process for contract awards.

11. Neutral or Master Vendor Information (if applicable):

a) If the council outsources to a neutral or master vendor for social services, please provide the vendor's name, contact person, email, and office address.

12. Clarification on FOI Response:

a) We have reviewed the council's FOI resources but could not locate this information. If any part of these questions is unclear or incomplete, we kindly request a full response or guidance on where to find the relevant information.

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you.

1. No

2. Lincolnshire County Council do not hold this information.

This information will be available from the Framework owner.

3. Lincolnshire County Council do not use this framework.

4-5.a-b) Lincolnshire County Council does not hold this information.

6. 10. Lincolnshire County Council does not use this Framework.

11. Lincolnshire County Council does not use a neutral or master vendor.

12. N/a